Champions of Golf and Kirby Muxloe Golf Club professional golfer Jason Palmer this weekend lifted his maiden European Tour title, the biggest of his career at the Challenge Tour's Foshan Open in China.
Having had a share of the lead everyday of the four day tournament, Jason headed into the final round on Sunday afternoon just one shot ahead of Germany's Bernd Ritthammer. However Jason didn't break with his superstitious behaviour that saw him get into that position as he headed to McDonald's for his dinner ahead of arguably the biggest round of his professional career.
He commented, "Absolutely I did go to McDonalds last night, and I think I was about the 20th player in the queue". Taking the pressure in his stride Jason carded four birdies in the opening 16 holes to extend his lead and create a bit of breathing space between him and his closest rivals as he headed towards a victory that would change his life and career. A disappointing three putt bogey at the penultimate hole would have handed some hope to the chasing pack but with a final hole drive that split the par 5 fairway, a comfortable lay up and an accurate approach wedge Jason was left with a 15 foot two putt to claim the Foshan Open title. He duly rolled the ball up close by the hole and calming his emotions brushed in his 272nd shot of the week for a 16 under par total, a one shot lead, the Foshan Open Challenge Tour title and a cheque for €43,594, the biggest of his career.
Jason recognised what a monumental achievement this was: "I just feel so over the moon. It is a total dream come true. I set out at the start of this season and my goal was to try and win. I might have taken me 22 events this season, but I have finally done it and I am ecstatic". With this win Jason is now inside the top 15 on the Challenge Tour Order of Merit which, if he were to stay there after the final two events of the season, would secure him playing privileges on the European Tour, the pinnacle golf tour for professionals in Europe.
Jason now heads to Oman for the tours penultimate event of the year before the Grand Final in Dubai the following week, but Jason also had a word for those who have been so vitally important in supporting him in his career. "I don't come from a privileged background and golf is an expensive sport to play, and certainly professionally. So without the help of other people I wouldn't have even been able to play, and I just want to thank everyone who has helped me throughout my career".
The sponsors Jason would particularly like to thank are:
Crouch Logistics - http://crouchlogistics.co.uk/
Crest Link Apparel - http://www.crestlink.net/
PING - http://www.ping.com/
TItleist - http://www.titleist.co.uk/
The Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship - http://britishpar3.com/
The staff and members at Kirby Muxloe Golf Club - http://www.kirbymuxloe-golf.co.uk/ and
The team at Champions - http://www.championsofgolf.co.uk/